The Isoko Nation in Delta State has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political stakeholders linking the decision to federal economic reforms and development projects in the state.
Dr Tonye Timi, Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Delta Campaign Council, said the endorsement reflected support among the stakeholders involved for Tinubu’s policy direction and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s development agenda.
Timi explained the position during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
He described the endorsement as a political development that could strengthen cooperation between the Isoko community, the Delta State Government and the Federal Government.
Isoko Nation endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori ahead of 2027 elections
According to Timi, the endorsement followed a reception held on Tuesday at Isoko House in Oleh, Delta State, in honour of Governor Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore.
He said the gathering provided an opportunity for traditional leaders, political stakeholders and community representatives to express their support for the president and the governor.
Timi described the Isoko people as a community with a history of organised political participation and collective engagement on matters affecting their development.
He maintained that the endorsement was significant because of the community’s role in Delta State politics.
However, the declaration represents the position expressed by those involved in the endorsement and does not establish that every Isoko voter supports the same candidates.
Timi cites Tinubu’s economic reforms as reason for support
Explaining the decision to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, Timi pointed to economic policies introduced under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He identified the removal of petrol subsidy, changes to Nigeria’s foreign exchange system and tax administration reforms as major government interventions.
According to him, the policies were designed to address longstanding economic problems, improve government revenue and create conditions for investment.
Timi acknowledged that some of the measures had brought difficulties but argued that their longer-term objectives were important to economic stability.
He said supporters of the administration viewed the reforms as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial position and improve economic opportunities.
The economic effects of these policies remain a subject of public debate, particularly regarding living costs, household purchasing power and business expenses.
Lagos-Calabar Highway, refinery expansion among projects highlighted
Timi also identified federal infrastructure investment as a factor behind the endorsement.
He cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as examples of major transport projects associated with the Tinubu administration.
According to him, improvements to Nigeria’s road network could support commercial activities, regional connectivity and the movement of goods.
He also pointed to expanding domestic petroleum refining capacity, arguing that increased local production could reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Timi maintained that these initiatives formed part of the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and strengthen the country’s productive capacity.
NELFUND, agriculture and healthcare programmes receive attention
Beyond infrastructure, Timi highlighted government interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, housing and consumer credit.
He specifically mentioned the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides student financing to eligible applicants in tertiary institutions.
Timi said the initiative was intended to improve access to higher education, particularly for students facing financial difficulties.
He also argued that agricultural programmes and social interventions could create opportunities for employment, economic participation and household development.
His comments reflected the campaign council’s assessment of the administration’s policies rather than an independent evaluation of their results.
Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda influences Isoko endorsement
Turning to Delta State, Timi said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda had also contributed to the political support expressed at the Oleh reception.
The development programme focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
According to Timi, the administration has prioritised road construction, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and security across the state.
He said these areas were particularly important to communities seeking improved access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Timi maintained that the governor’s development priorities aligned with the aspirations of the Isoko people.
Trans-Warri Road and Emevor-Orogun project highlighted
Among the state government’s infrastructure initiatives, Timi identified the Emevor-Orogun Road Phase II and the Trans-Warri Road project.
He said the Trans-Warri project, which includes 15 bridges, had been reported by the governor as completed and awaiting inauguration.
Timi described the road projects as important investments in transportation and economic connectivity.
He argued that improved infrastructure could support commerce, reduce transport difficulties and strengthen links between communities.
The campaign council official also highlighted the state government’s stated commitment to distributing development projects across Delta’s three senatorial districts.
Isoko leaders seek stronger federal-state cooperation
Timi said the endorsement was also intended to encourage closer cooperation between community leaders and government institutions.
He identified road infrastructure, electricity, healthcare, education, employment and economic empowerment as important development priorities for the Isoko area.
According to him, traditional institutions, the Isoko Development Union and political stakeholders have roles to play in communicating community needs to government.
He argued that constructive engagement between the Federal Government, Delta State Government and local communities could help attract attention to those priorities.
Timi further expressed the view that cooperation between the Renewed Hope Agenda and the MORE Agenda could provide a framework for coordinating development initiatives.
What the endorsement means ahead of the 2027 elections
The declaration adds to political endorsements being made as parties, community groups and stakeholders position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.
For Tinubu and Oborevwori, the statement represents publicly expressed support from the Isoko stakeholders associated with the reception.
It does not, however, determine how individual voters in Isoko communities will vote in 2027.
Timi concluded that political support should ultimately be reflected in improvements to people’s daily lives, including better infrastructure, access to essential services and expanded economic opportunities.
